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Water shortage dominates Ambattur council meet

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI JAN. 4. With the city experiencing deficit rainfall this year, steps to manage water shortage dominated the proceedings of the Ambattur municipal council meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting passed 66 resolutions, including proposals for stormwater drains, rainwater harvesting, roads and minor bridges worth about Rs. 5 crores. Construction of overhead tanks and compound walls for schools and public welfare centres and desilting of public wells were part of the development works to be taken up.

Members cutting across party lines complained about erratic water supply. S. Balakumaran (DMK) questioned the measures taken by municipal authorities to tackle the issue. He said many wells had gone dry and the supply by Metrowater through pipelines was inadequate.

The Chairman, K. Rukmangatan, said water would be supplied through private tankers to meet the shortage. A proposal had been presented to the Tiruvallur Collector for drawing water from the Ambattur lake, he said.

Mr. Balakumaran alleged illegal sand quarrying in the lake area and wanted the council to take steps to stop the activity before drawing water.

M. Rajendran (AIADMK) said residents of many areas in ward 38, including Srinivasa Nagar, Satya Nagar, Olympic Colony and Officers Colony, had to endure water shortage for a year owing to erratic supply.

Some of the areas, including Satya Nagar and Bhagyathammal Nagar, lacked borewells. He suggested that at least two borewells be sunk in each area.

The vice-chairman, S. Kousalya, said that despite several representations, the authorities had not paid heed to the water needs of residents.

Replying, the Chairman said more borewells would be sunk after conducting a survey of the population.

C. Loganathan (DMK) questioned the legality of tax collection from even street vendors every day.

The chairman said the issue would be looked into.

Repair of streetlights and tipper lorries used for garbage removal and inadequate fogging to control the mosquito menace were the other issues discussed.

Delay in garbage removal at Avadi

Meanwhile, councillors of the Avadi Municipality complained that removal of garbage in their areas was delayed for at least three days for inadequate modes of transport.

The ward 3 councillor S. John suggested that at least one vehicle be provided for every four wards to clear garbage.

The Chairman, S. M. Nazar, said fresh tenders had been called for for privatisation of garbage removal in some wards.

He gave an assurance that the problem would be solved within a month.

M. Mohan (AIADMK) said the municipal hospital lacked doctors and paramedical staff.

Resolutions were passed for taking up repairs of streetlights, construction of overhead tanks and sinking borewells.

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